Bill to change how senators are chosen is a power grab

Senate Bill 471 will strip away the right of Tennesseans to elect our parties' nominees for U.S. Senate. This bill is being shepherded through quietly, under false pretenses. Here are the two most common myths being presented:

Myth No. 1: SB 471 will allow us to hold our U.S. senators accountable. This is highly unlikely. Even now it takes an incredible amount of lobbying to keep legislators accountable to their constituents. Moreover, a number of legislators will be angling to become our next U.S. senator, and the work of the constituents will not be done.

Myth No. 2: SB 471 reflects the will of the Founding Fathers. The original intention of the Founding Fathers was laid out in the Constitution to have the legislature choose two senators from each state. It never mentioned anything about nominees. This bill is not about federalism, but rather a thinly veiled power grab. We the people will remember who votes for this bill that strips away our right to elect our senators.

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Bill to change how senators are chosen is a power grab

Senate Bill 471 will strip away the right of Tennesseans to elect our parties' nominees for U.S. Senate. This bill is being shepherded through quietly, under false pretenses. Here are the two most